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Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya (l) and Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa (r) hold former Bupe and Mapalo when the two Ministers visited the former conjoined twins
Former Kawambwa co-joined twins, Bupe and Mapalo have been taken back to Kachema-Musuma Orphanage Centre following their discharge from the district hospital.
Kawambwa District Social Welfare Officer, Peter Musonda has told ZANIS in an interview that the twins are now two weeks old at the facility, where they are being taken care of by competent staff, who include a care-giver.
Mr Musonda said the twins who were readmitted to the hospital for malaria and malnutrition since January this year, have fully recovered and their nutritional status has improved.
He disclosed that Bupe who had difficulties in sitting, is now able to sit on her own while Mapalo can walk alone without being supported.
Mr Musonda has further commended the Kawambwa District Hospital management for improving the welfare of the children, and for seconding a Care-Giver to Kachema – Musuma Orphanage to devote time to the twins.
He has also appealed for financial, food and material support from well-wishers, in order to assist the Centre take care of the children and other orphans who are under the care of the facility.
The Ndola Magistrate Court has detained seasoned comedian Webster Chiluba popularly known as Kasaka, for failure to present an accused person before court, after signing as surety.
Mr Chiluba signed as surety for Mathews Silungwe 28, a musician of Ndola’s Kabushi Township, who is charged with impersonation and six counts of theft, after allegedly swindling six teachers in the district.
It is alleged that on September 25, 2019, in Ndola, with intent to defraud, Mr Silungwe falsely represented himself as an inspector from the Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ), to Grace Sokoni.
It is also alleged that Mr Silungwe further obtained money amounting to six thousand two-hundred and thirty-kwacha from Silvia Nalungwe, Daniel Phisi, Natasha Mwansa, Ketty Siwale and Herald Mwila, all who longed to join the teaching service.
Further, it is alleged that Mr Silungwe used different mobile phone numbers to call some teachers and threatened to have them deregistered from the service, should they fail to register nor apply for their licence with the teaching council.
When the matter came up before Magistrate Veronica Sikwangala in Ndola, the accused was not present before the court.
The prosecution stated that the accused was supposed to come to court or a bench warrant be issued for the accused as well as the sureties.
However, the Arresting Officer Sergeant Mercy Sianga who was present before the court said the suspect was still on the run and that one of the other sureties had gone to Kasama to look for him.
Magistrate Sikwangala asked Mr Chiluba to prove to the court of law why he should not be cited for contempt.
In response Mr Chiluba said he was still looking for Mr Silungwe, asking the court if he could be released in order to carry out his task.
However, Magistrate Sikwangala dismissed his plea and reminded him of his promise before the court, when he signed bail for his colleague.
“I want to sign bail for my friend as surety. I will make sure he attends court. If he runs, I will be ready to be apprehended or pay K5000,” “Margistrate Sikwangala read.
The matter has since been adjourned to April 26, 2019.
Huzaifa Jada with a fellow PF cadre pose for a photo near the presidential challenger plane Chopper
Well known PF cadre and Kafue Businessman Huzaifa Jada has been appointed as Deputy Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Saudi Arabia.
Jada confirmed his appointment as Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in a brief statement to the media.
He was seen off by his fellow PF youths at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Monday.
“I have arrived safely in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to take up my posting as Deputy Ambassador at the Zambian Mission. My Regards to you all back home. Wishing you good health and prosperity,” Jada stated.
Jada is an ardent supporter and youth leader of the ruling PF who campaigned heavily for President Lungu.
He was a common feature at PF rallies in 2011, 2015 and 2016 elections.
Zambia reopened its Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 2013 after it was closed for many years.
Huzaifa Jada at one of the PF campaign ralliesHuzaifa Jada addressing one of the PF campaign rallies
Green Eagles on Wednesday rallied to thump Nkana 4-1 in Kitwe in the delayed match to open up a four point lead at the top of Stream B of the 2019 FAZ Super Division.
The win in this Week 6 match pushed Eagles to 27 points, four ahead of second placed Buildcon, after playing 13 matches.
Amity Shamenda grabbed a brace with Kennedy Musonda and Lazarous Phiri scoring the other goals for Eagles.
Nkana had made a false start when Hassan Ramadhani put them ahead after 36 minutes when benefiting from a rebound caused by Ronald Kampamba.
The two teams went into the break with a 1-1 score line before Eagles scored three times in the last half.
Other second half highlights saw Nkana’s two goals cancelled for alleged offside.
Midfielder Shadrick Malambo had his 52nd minute goal ruled out by Kabwe referee Wise Musaka and Sate Sate too had a late goal cancelled for offside.
This incident saw the match officials leave Nkana Stadium several minutes after the game as they feared for their lives.
Meanwhile, Nkana remain stuck in 7th place with 12 points from nine matches played.
The Human Rights Commission says it remains deeply concerned that perpetrators of acts of torture continue being charged with lesser offences of assault than the grave nature of torture because of the absence of the law criminalising torture in Zambia.
The Commission has since urged government to speedy up the process of enacting the law criminalising torture in Zambia to provide appropriate punishment to perpetrators, and remedies to victims of torture.
Commission spokesperson Mwelwa Muleya said it is deeply concerning that because of the absence of an Anti-Torture Act in Zambia, individuals who commit heinous acts of torture continue being charged with lesser offences of Common Assault and Assaults Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm as provided for under Sections 247 and 248 of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
“Article 4 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ((UNCAT)) obliges State Parties such as Zambia to enact laws that criminalise acts of torture and make such offences punishable by appropriate penalties which take into account the grave nature of torture. Zambia ratified the UNCAT 30 years ago in 1989 but she has not yet domesticated it by enacting a national legislation to give legal effect to the global anti-torture law in Zambia”, Mr. Muleya said.
He said although the Commission acknowledges the positive step taken by the Government by drafting the Anti-Torture Bill which was adopted in principle by Cabinet on 4th December 2017, the apparent slow enactment process is deeply worrying.
Mr. Muleya said the continued harm suffered by victims of torture, particularly on vulnerable members of society such as children without appropriate remedies, should remind the Government about the urgent need to enhance the right to protection against torture by enacting the law.
He said the lack of a an Act of Parliament Criminalising Torture in Zambia has also made it difficult for actors in the criminal justice system to invoke Article 15 of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, which prohibit torture.
Mr. Muleya said there is currently no law that criminalises and defines torture and provides penalties and remedies for acts of torture in Zambia, making it difficulties for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and the courts of law to invoke Article 15 of the Constitution of Zambia.
He said it is the desire of the Commission that the Bill Criminalising Torture in Zambia will be enacted into law by the end of 2019, and that such a law should broaden the definition of torture to include acts committed by private individuals instead of only focussing on public officers.
Mr. Muleya said Acts of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment are a gross violation of human rights and absolutely prohibited and punishable under international human rights law.
A Zambian Family based in Crompton, Durban of South Africa has tragically lost two of their children in a rain storm that affected the area and has claimed over 51 lives.
Mudslide and flooding caused by torrential rain have killed 51 people now in Durban and the Wider KwaZulu Natal Province, officials say with the death toll expected to rise.
Mr. Mesiya and Cynthia Phiri lost two sons identified as Emmanuel Phiri aged 6years and Brian Phiri aged 9years during the storm.
According to the information made available to the Zambia High Commission in Pretoria South Africa the children died during the storm when the roof of the house collapsed on them whilst sleeping in the bedroom with their parents.
Mr. Phiri who sustained heavy injuries was rushed to the hospital by his neighbours whist the children died on the spot.
The bodies of the two deceased children have since been taken to Pinetown Mortuary in Durban awaiting conclusion of police investigations and burial.
Mrs. Phiri who was also admitted to hospital following the high blood pressure resulting from the death of her two sons has also been discharged from Hospital together with the husband.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba has expressed shock at the news of the tragic incident .
Mr. Mwamba said the loss of the young lives is disheartening not only to the family but to the Zambian Community in that country.
He has since wished the bereaved family God’s strength and guidance during this difficult time.
This is contained in a statement issued by Naomi Nyawali, the First Secretary for Press at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa.
LUAPULA Province PF Chairperson Nickson Chilangwa has reminded Kelvin Bwalya Fube that the Patriotic Front has already settled for President Edgar Lungu as its Presidential candidate for the 2021 general elections.
Mr. Chilangwa said if Mr. Fube is a true PF member he should by now know that President Lungu is the party and people’s choice for the 2021 polls.
Mr. Chilangwa who is also Luapula Province Minister said Mr. Fube’s announcement that he will run for the PF Presidency in 2021 is a shear waste of time and the earlier he realises the better.
Mr. Chilangwa who is former PF Head of Research Bureau explained that it is desire of of the general membership of the ruling party to field President Lungu as candidate and not everybody else.
“Let me advise my brother KBF to shelve those ambitions because he is just waisting his time. Unless he chooses to form his own political party, then he is free to run for President elsewhere not in PF; here (PF) we have settled for President Lungu,” Mr. Chilangwa said.
And Mr. Chilangwa has warned Mr. Fube never to continue daring the party by his continued act of disrespect to President Lungu.
Mr. Chilangwa wondered why Mr. Fube who is a lawyer has chosen to disrespect the President which which amounts to the total disregard of the party constitution.
” Disrespecting the President of the party is flouting the constitution and can attract penalties. Yesterday, KBF accused the President of having failed; he is just a junior member of the party. The rules and regulations can’t permit that,”
He advised Mr. Fube to tame his mouth in the manner he is speaking against President Lungu.
The Patriotic Front in Central Province says Lusaka Lawyer Kelvin Fube Bwalya’s recent announcement that he will challenge President Edgar Lungu as party president for the 2021 polls clearly demonstrate that he does not mean well for the ruling Party.
Provincial Youth Chairperson Remember Mutale says the party finds Mr. Fubes calling on the Party and Republican President to pass the baton over to him because the President has allegedly failed to be in very bad taste and laced with malice.
Mr. Mutale said Mr. Fube has shown that he is not a gatherer of people but a scatterer and has shown that he is an anarchist.
“However, we politely caution him to keep his drama to himself; we will not accept his anarchy to divide the Party. This anarchist who is supposed to be a “senior lawyer” but is displaying very junior manners should not abuse the unparalleled intra-party democracy in the Patriotic Front which other parties can only dream of”, he said.
Mr. Mutale said the party has always been aware of Mr. Fube’s scheme to form a political Party and he is free to form one of his own and stand on its ticket.
“We say so because if he is truly PF and meant well, he should understand that he can only subject his aspirations to the General Conference/Primary elections where he must compete and should promise to accept the outcome thereof. The prerequisite to this must be that he ought to be in good standing with the Party. PF has very clear guidelines and Fube is very much aware.However, it is clear that KBF ambitions are based on a very weak foundation because they are based on vanity and jealousy. It is so clear that Fube’s aspirations are built on, pride self-promotion and envy”, Mr. Mutale added.
He said it is unimaginable that Mr. Fube believes his booklet is far greater than the PF’s Party manifesto and believes his booklet is the blueprint which is superior to the Party manifesto 2016-2021.
Mr. Mutale said Mr. Fube is sadly filled with so much pride that he thinks he knows better than everybody else in PF.
He has since re-affirmed that all ten Provinces unanimously endorsed President Lungu as the Party’s preferred candidate for 2021 and anyone who intends to challenge him must come and do so at the Party’s General Conference in 2020.
And PF Copperbelt Chairman, Nathan Chanda has issued the following statement to the media
PF IS NOT A KATEMBA PARTY-NATHAN CHANDA, MCC
PF Member Mr Kelvin Bwalya Fube’s call for President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to resign is unimaginable, wishful thinking and a daylight dozzing dream.
Mr KBF should be reminded that PF is not a Katemba party, but a political party that is established on rules and procedures.
We have noted with concern the continued levels of power hungry and bitterness being exhibited by Mr Kelvin Bwalya Fube.
However, we want to commend the Patriotic Front led by President Edgar Lungu for allowing democracy and divergent views to flow through the party.
PF has demonstrated that it is the only Democratic party in the country. We have had intraparty elections throughout the country, from section, branch, ward, constituency, District and Provincial level. This is an achievement which many political parties have failed to do.
Not withstanding, these facts, we have seen of late the manner in which ba KBF wants to practice his politics. Ba KBF should be free and is free to challenge for any position in the party. But we note with concern the allegations leveled against the party and its leadership, he wants to stand on. We are not saying that he should not criticize the leadership, but the manner in which it is being done.
Ba KBF, as a seasoned lawyer should know that the burden of proof is on him as he makes wide allegations against the PF and President Edgar Lungu. We remind him to use right channels to air any grievances that he may have unlike the unbecoming conduct that he has been exhibiting of late which is very regrettable.
We are fully aware that ba KBF wants attention and sympathy from the PF general membership and the Zambian people if disciplined for acting in a manner that is likely to bring the name the party into public ridicule, contempt or disrepute. He wants to play a victim. These are old ways of doing politics. If ba KBF has formed a party, he should just come out in the open instead of wasting the party’s time.
Those who are following him blindly must remind him that what he is doing as a lawyer is very bad. Publishing orally or writing any matter which in the opinion of the central committee constitutes an attack on the party is a very serious offence.
How can ba KBF call for the resignation of President Lungu as PF party President and Republican President! What a Joke! Let me remind him that President Lungu has a five year mandate from the party and the Zambian people which we are going to renew again in 2020 at the conference and 2021 in general elections. Ba KBF don’t forget that you where one of the delegates at the PF convention in Kabwe that elected President Lungu and you know how it is done so stop misleading people. Such levels of frustration from a Lawyer like you are shocking.
We want to also state categorically here that, as Copperbelt Province we stand with President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the candidate for the PF party at the next convention. We are convinced with the leadership of President Edgar Lungu to continue stirring the PF and the country at large.
As Copperbelt Province we call for Unity of purpose, Love, Hardwork, Peace, Dicispline and Coexistence in order to embrace everyone and grow the party.
Zambian Breweries’ Mosi Day of Thunder has resonated the sound of Zambian music and culture with local superstars joined by Afro pop diva Yemi Alade drawing more than 10,000 fans to the tourism capital.
The cream of Zambian music hit the stage on Saturday (April 20), along with the Nigeria artist, keeping fans in awe as they sang along to the thundering music at Livingstone’s Villa Grounds.
“Zambia is laka. I look forward to doing more collaborations with Zambian artists as I have done in the past with JK. I really love the music here, exclaimed Yemi before her performance at the annual festival, which is now in its fourth year.
“I am grateful that I have been to the Victoria Falls, I love it. My entire band went out and we experienced it together. I felt like a kid or over again because I do love to play in the rain, and I got the opportunity to do that,” she said of the spray from the mighty falls.
Yemi called for more collaboration with Zambian musicians: “When it comes to music it does not matter where you are from.”
The music festive brought thousands of people together from all corners of Zambia and the region.
Zambian mega-artist Slapdee was filled with excitement after performing on the Mosi stage about how fans responded and embraced local musicians at the event.
Local artists on the Mosi stage included Slapdee, Mampi, Cleo Ice Queen, Jay Rox, Chef, and Empire 408, Thunder Beats finalist K-Leb and team, DJ Mucky, DJ Drew and DJ Boogie were also in the line-up.
Zambian Breweries Head of Marketing Sibajene Munkombwe said: “This year’s Day of Thunder was bigger and better thanks to all the partners that came aboard to support, and to the fans that keep making the event super-thunderous year after year.”
“We had a fantastic selection of local artists that pulled the crowd, along with Yemi, to promote Zambian tourism and the Victoria Falls,” he added.
The event also benefits local talent and local suppliers from Livingstone and other parts of the country, with hundreds of people making a living from the event through catering, security, transport and accommodation.
The Mosi Day of Thunder has grown to be one of the region’s leading music festivals, attracting fans from across Zambia and from neighbouring countries, boosting tourism and travel to Zambia’s tourist capital Livingstone.
The event is a celebration of music and culture that brings together top local artists, a leading regional artist, and up-coming talent. Previous performers have included Cassper Nyovest, Diamond Platnumz and Patoranking, Danny Kaya, Urban Hype, James Sakala, Jay Rox, Chef 187, Wezi and Slapdee.
PICTURES FROM THE EVENT
Yemi AladeYemi Alade performingYemi Alade performingYemi Alade performingYemi Alade performingSlap Dee performingMampi performingJay RoxJay Rox performingCleo Ice Queen performingCleo Ice Queen performingChef 187 performingChef 187
Zambia’s Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said this month there’s no need to worry about the government’s debt load.
But investors are sending the opposite signal.
The yield curve for the southern African nation’s Eurobonds, which are the worst performers in emerging markets in the past year, is increasingly inverted-meaning that shorter-dated securities have higher yields than those with longer maturities.
That’s a rarity and often occurs when countries are already in default, with one example being Venezuela.
Yields on Zambia’s $750 million of bonds due in 2022 have climbed almost 500 basis points since early February to 17.45 percent.
Its 2027 bonds trade at 15.8 percent.
No other country that’s not in default has yields as high.
The inversion is partly because the shorter bonds have a bullet maturity and have to be paid back in one go, while the longer ones amortize, making them less risky, according to Neville Mandimika, an analyst at Rand Merchant Bank in Johannesburg.
But it also suggests traders are getting more nervous, he said.
“That yield curve inversion can be seen as an indicator of how concerned investors are about the situation,” he said. “In times of extreme debt concerns, the less risky bond will price at a premium to the bullet bond.”
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on April 12 that Zambia is borrowing to improve the country’s infrastructure and the debt should be seen as an investment.
Africa’s second-biggest copper producer is battling to shore up its finances and has been in on-off talks with the International Monetary Fund for more than a year about a loan.
Bank of America says it could be forced into restructuring if it fails to get an IMF bailout or friendlier terms on bilateral loans from China, which it’s trying to renegotiate.
Investors are also watching dwindling foreign-exchange reserves.
They’ve halved in the past three years to $1.5 billion.
They now cover barely 10 percent of Zambia’s external debt, which is the lowest ratio among all African nations that have sold dollar bonds, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu talks to PF Secretary General Davies Mwila at City Airport shortly before departure for Mansa, Luapula Province on Tuesday, April 23,2019-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Lungu says he does not have full information about former UPND Vice President Geoffrey Mwamba rejoining the Patriotic Front.
President Lungu says as it stands he does not know anything but is yet to get full details on the matter.
Speaking to journalists upon arrival from Luapula Province on Tuesday evening, President Lungu asked whether Mr. Mwamba had resigned.
And when asked whether he has forgiven Mr. Mwamba who has asked for forgiveness for the insults he had been showering on him, President Lungu maintained that he is yet to get full details on what transpired.
And commenting on Lusaka Lawyer Kelvin Fube Bwalya’s decision to call the PF presidency, President Lungu says it is normal for anyone to contest the presidency.
Yesterday, Lusaka Lawyer Kelvin Fube Bwalya popularly known as KBF has announced his intentions to challenge President Edgar Lungu as PF Presidential candidate for the 2021 general elections.
Mr Bwalya said that the living standard for the majority of Zambians have dropped to unacceptable levels and cannot be allowed to continue.
Speaking at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday when he launched his book dubbed “Zambia Must Prosper II”, Mr. Bwalya appealed to President Edgar Lungu to pass on the mantle of party Presidency to him saying he has fought his race.
Mr Bwalya has also charged that the PF has made a lot of mistakes in the governance system which has resulted in the breakdown of the rule of law.
He further stated that the PF must admit that they have failed the Zambians especially youths who are grappling with the high unemployment levels in the country.
Mr. Bwalya also unveiled what he called a blue print to resolving the country’s social and economic challenges.
Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya displays a Kwacha note to Journalists during a news briefing
The Bank of Zambia has rubbished media reports that some K23 billion of recently printed bank notes has gone missing.
Some media reports indicate that the government has so far printed K23 billion in order to finance the wage bill and pay some Chinese contractors.
The reports indicate that the government has authorized the printing money.
But BoZ Deputy Governor Dr. Bwalya Ngandu says these reports are a total fabrication as there is a procedure in printing money.
And addressing a media briefing at the Central Bank on Tuesday,Governor, Dr. Denny Kalyalya said the story is part of Fake News.
Dr. Kalyalya says the Central Bank has operational autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution.
He said printing of currency is the preserve of the bank and is not subject to external influence.
The Governor said the issuance of currency follows a strict process guided by the law.
“There is a set process and timetable, and each stage is subject to audit. Social media reports that state otherwise are untrue. We must be wary of fake news and its potential to dent economies,” Dr. Kalyalya said.
“The Bank of Zambia has operational autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution. Printing of currency is the preserve of the Bank and is not subject to external influence. Issuance of currency follows a strict process guided by the law. There is a set process and timetable, and each stage is subject to audit. Social media reports that state otherwise are untrue. We must be wary of fake news and its potential to dent economies,” Dr. Kalyalya said
Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya addresses a news briefing at the Bank Headquarters in Lusaka
IDC Group CEO Mr Mateyo Kaluba (left), ZANACO Board Vice Chairperson Mr Hastings Mtine and ZANACO CEO Mr Henk Mulder (right) showing the dividend cheque.
ZANACO Bank Plc has declared K9.2 million dividend to its shareholder the Industrial Development Corporation for the financial year ended 31st December 2018.
Speaking before presenting the dividend cheque on Tuesday, ZANACO CEO Mr Henk Mulder said liquidity and profitability are some of the core values at the bank.
He said the bank was a Zambian financial institution and will strive to remain profitable so that it continues to declare dividends to shareholders.
At the same occasion, ZANACO Board Vice Chairperson Mr Hastings Mtine said the bank will continue growing shareholder investments to result in higher returns in future.
Receiving the dividend cheque, IDC Group CEO Mr Mateyo Kaluba said the transformation process being implemented at ZANACO is now yielding positive results.
He said IDC is happy to receive the dividends that have increased from last year’s K1.2 million to this year’s K9.2 million.
Mr Kaluba said the strong performance by the bank also demonstrates that it has a competent team that understands the challenges faced in the country’s economy.
He said, it is gratifying to note that some listed companies such as ZANACO and ZCCM-IH are performing better.
He added, it is the desire of the IDC to see more companies get listed on the stock exchange.
Mr Kaluba further said the funds will be invested in various projects such as fruit processing in Eastern and North-Western provinces, Kawambwa Tea in Luapula and Cashew nut growing in Western province.
IDC holds 25% shares in ZANACO Bank Plc.
Mr Mateyo Kaluba and ZANACO CEO Mr Henk Mulder listening to ZANACO Board Vice Chairperson Mr Hastings Mtine during the media briefing.
Jay Rox teams up with Namibian award winning Hip Hop artiste Dice & Odie The Poet on the song “Choir“. The song thanks God for the process that led to the blessings they’ve acquired thus far.
This music video was shot by Eric Mule For Headphone Music.
